Local Resident Celebrates 104th Birthday
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT – In 1919, Pennington, Texas was a long way from the big cities and the rushed movements of people following the First World War. With a population of around 250, locals enjoyed peace, prosperity and prices allowing even the most humble working-man a decent life.
You could buy bacon for 14 cents a pound, eggs for 21 cents a dozen and a 10-pound bag of potatoes would set you back 14 cents. It was into this world Sybil Hudson was born, Aug. 14, 1919.
Hudson celebrated her 104th birthday party at Windfield Rehab and Nursing Center in Crockett, complete with friends, cake, balloons and well-wishes from all involved.
Hudson remembers her favorite part about growing up in Pennington, “getting ready Saturday afternoon to go to church Sunday morning.”
Hudson worked for many years as a nurse, living in San Antonio, Houston and other places before making her way back to Crockett. She still has her humor and wit, joking about politics and local goings-on, saying she still feels young and her 104th year, “snuck up on her.”
She loved her job in nursing saying, “Even today when the light goes on down the hall at the nursing center, I want to jump up and go see if I can help.”
Hudson couldn’t really remember her favorite decade, but chose Ronald Reagan or Donald Trump as her favorite presidents in her life.
“Trump was right – Joe Biden should have just stayed in his basement,” Hudson laughed. “He is the worst president in my lifetime!”
Hudson enjoys her time at the nursing home, where she is well-loved by staff and other residents.
When one thinks about the history Hudson has seen – from depressions to wars to social and technological changes – The Messenger asked if she thought people themselves have changed over all that time, too.
“I think so; people are all for themselves now and no one else,” Hudson cautioned. “There’s too much criticism and too much greed today.”
Hudson moved into the nursing home after she fell and broke her hip and had to spend some time in a Palestine hospital. She enjoyed living in the bigger cities earlier in her life, but says it rains too much in Houston and she likes the quieter life here in Crockett closer to her Pennington roots.
Hudson enjoys the Sunday services at the nursing home and staying in touch with her three boys and growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Is there a secret to long life? Hudson said she thought there just may be.
“It is pretty simple,” Hudson said. “I never smoked and I never drank all that alcohol. I tasted a beer once and I didn’t like it. I just live a clean, Christian life.”
Happy birthday to Mrs. Hudson from your friends at The Messenger!
“And many more…”
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
